1970 AMXHot

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CompareMuscle Car Reviews/amc-amx/52-1970-amx

The 1970 AMX had significant styling changes for the 1970 model year. The front of the car had grown by two inches with a new hood, bumper, and grille. The grille was brought out flush and included the parking lights.

The 1970 AMX was much improved over the previous years. Unfortunately for the AMX, the pony car market was extremely competitive and sales suffered as a result.

The “Big Bad AMX” returned for another year and AMC introduced the “Go Pack” which included a several performance upgrades including disk brakes and a heavy duty cooling system.

Muscle Car Specifications

Performance Model

1970 AMC AMX

Engine Used

390ci/325hp

Zero to Sixty

6.5 sec

Quarter Mile

14.7 sec @ 92.0 mph

Muscle Car Comparisons

The 1968 AMX and 1969 AMX models were very similar, but the 1970 AMX received significant styling changes for the its last model year. These changes included a different grille and hood, a new interior and different tail lights. The hood included a Ram-Air induction scoop that forced cool air into the engine compartment. On the sides of the car were simulated side exhaust pipes. Underneath the car was a new front suspension and two new engines were introduced. They were the new AMC 360 V-8 for its base power plant and a 390 ci as the upgrade option. Both engines had better-breathing exhaust ports, and new 4-barrel carburetors. AMC hoped these changes make the car look more like its pony car competitors. That was a mistake and sale came in at about half the number they had made the previous year. It seems that AMC customers enjoyed being a little different and living outside the main stream.

Different Models

There were two versions offered in 1970 AMX: the standard AMX, the “Big Bad” AMX. The standard AMX was available with two engine options: a 290 horse power (hp), 360 cubic inch (ci) or a 325 hp 390 ci engine. The buyer got a 4 speed manual transmission standard and a three speed automatic was optional. For the enthusiasts, the “Go Pack” included a 360 ci engine or a 390 ci engine, power front disk brakes, F70-14 raised white letter tires, a handling package heavy duty cooling system and a functional Ram-Air hood scoop. The “Go Package” was available on both the standard AMX and the “Big bad” models.

The “Big Bad” AMX was basically a fancy paint job. The buyer had his choice of a wild version of blue, green or orange on the exterior of the car. Additionally, the bumpers were painted instead of chromed. The look was appealing by today’s standards but it may have been a little ahead of its time. Less than 10% of buys choose the bright colors.

Things To Look For

AMXs and Javelins have three major areas that are frequently rusted and should be checked out before purchasing one. The quarter panels, especially on either side of the trunk, due to debris build-up. The sill panels between the trunk lid and the rear window should be checked. Finally, the lower portion of the A-pillars, due to tiny drain holes that quickly filled up with debris tends to rust. He also notes the floor pans, the trunk pans and the troughs under the front fenders as other potential problem areas.

AMXs and Javelins shared their interiors, including bucket-only seating, from the front seats forward. Behind that, the interior quarter trim pieces are unique to the 1970 AMX. The armrests pose a large problem area with their plastic covers curl up at the ends and their mounting tabs are prone to breaking. The other problem area on the inside is the cheaply made head liners. They were partially prone to coming apart.

Market Place

Sales decline sharply in 1970 with just over 4,000 cars produced. The low production along with the design changes make 1970 a difficult car to restore. In fact, this is the most challenging of all the AMXs to restore. The AMC fan will quickly note that the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Camaro are just plain common in comparison.

Values range from about $29,000 for a car in excellent condition to about $13,000 for a very good car that only needs a few minor repairs. A good starter project should set you back $6,000-$6,000. This is the rarest and most expensive of all AMC performance cars. It is more valuable than all the AMC Javelin, Rebel Machines and Hurst Ramblers out there. At least when comparing similarly restored models.

Pony Car Competition

American Motors continued with the “Big Bad Javelin” colors for the 1970 Javelin. The 1970 Camaro and the 1970 Firebird were both redesigned to give the cars a more European look. The design was very well received and it lasted until 1981 in one form or another on both cars. Dodge and Plymouth finally introduced the iconic 1970 Challenger and 1970 Barracuda. The 1970 Barracuda was the inspiration for the 2008 Challenger. Ford returned with their high performance Mach I and Boss options for the 1970 Mustang. In many ways, 1970, was the high point for pony cars. Only the pony cars of today match the style and performance of these classic cars.

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Collectability*

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Verdict

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1970 AMX2011-09-25 11:44:58Eric

Overall rating

5.0

Looks

5.0

Performance

5.0

Parts Availability

5.0

Collectability

5.0

Reviewed by Eric September 25, 2011

70 info

The question of the "Trend setter sidepipes" is that you are both right! All 70 AMX came with simulated sidepipes from the factory { like my 70 AMX}, But you could opt for "group 19 part" {like Mopar's direct connection} dealer installed option. I think your car is great! I'm sure it is the one in the NAPA 2010 calender. I do not think you can find an AMX for the above prices, and parts tend to be higher than other makes. PS we can all nitt pick each other cars, but I would rather have an AMC friend. Eric

amx

some parts can be hard to find for sure ( i know i own a 70 ) but there are more and more aftermarket parts out every day so dont let that scare you away from owning one of the coolest cars around. go to any car shows and you will see lines of mustangs /camaros but to see an AMX is a real treat. oh yeah did i mention their fast with incredable torque!!!!!

A Rare Car

Performance was good and the car looked good, especially with the fake side pipes. With a little more that 4100 produced, the car has collector's appeal. But be careful, parts are as not as plentiful as with other muscle cars. If you like a challenge, then this may be a restoration project for you.